FROM humble beginnings, Les Jackson and his family built a wonderful wilderness escape on what was the family’s camping holiday destination.

About 30 years ago, Les and his wife Maryanne bought a 160ha property at Little Swanport.

Their family would escape from Hobart to this natural environment and have a great time playing outdoors with their children.

Les had a dream of creating a place where other families could come and enjoy what their family had.

When he heard about some

ex-Hydro huts being sent to auction on Tasmania’s West Coast, he went along to have a look and ended up buying eight of them.

And so Gumleaves Bush Holidays was born.

Over the years the family added camping grounds, a caravan park and a world of activities for the kids and adults too, such as rowing boats on a lake, an airwalk, flying fox, tennis court, mini golf, obstacle courses and many other attractions.

Fun for families.

Les said Gumleaves had been fabulous for everyone from school groups to sports teams, clubs or Scouts.

“It is a great chance for modern-day children to get out in the bush and have great fun exploring,” he said.

“Without the distractions of TV or computers, the kids have a great time.

“At the end of their stay they always say this same thing, [that] Gumleaves was a wonderful experience.”

Comfortable accommodation.

The Jacksons have put their business on the market. Les said they had reached a stage in their lives where they were looking to do something different.

“The business is growing steadily by at least 10 per cent every year,” he said.

“There is heaps of potential for someone with the enthusiasm to take Gumleaves in a new direction.

“There is a lot of land that is still natural bush, we haven’t developed it at all.

“We have been approached by people who would like us to build a mountain bike track or a disc golf course.

“It would also make a wonderful spot for a yoga retreat or a wedding venue.”

The property at 21 Swanston Road, Little Swanport is priced at $1.5 million. It is listed with Harcourts Northern Suburbs.

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